Whitehorse Day Off Guide

Whitehorse is nestled in the limitless scenery and lush wilderness of Canada's Yukon Territory, and houses 3/4 of all of Yukon's population. It's the perfect balance of society and solitary in North America's untouched landscape. There is a wealth of things to discover, both in a summer or year-round! What will you find?

Your Next Adventure Starts Here

Whitehorse Highlights

You won’t be a true Whitehorse expert until you’ve hit the city’s most famous hot spots.

SS Klondike: Once a cargo river ship routed between Whitehorse and Dawson, then a cruise ship, and now a National Historic Site of Canada, the SS Klondike is a beacon of classic Canadian history.

Log Cabin Skyscraper: It may not count as a high rise in New York City, but Whitehorse’s most infamous building – a three-story log cabin – is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Fish Ladder: The Whitehorse Fish Ladder is the longest fish ladder in the world, and from July through August it is filled with Chinook salmon passing through Whitehorse on the way to their spawning grounds. Hike along the shore or get an underwater view from the observation site.

Whitehorse Hangouts

Westmark Lounge: You’ll get to know and love Westmark Lounge’s comfy atmosphere and tasty menu well – this will be a frequent stop after work to figure out what’s going down with friends the rest of the night around Whitehorse.Foxy’s Cabaret: Settle into a night of great beats and delicious brews. Foxy’s hosts a variety of local musicians and a growing menu to keep Whitehorse staff members coming.Baked Café: Rise and shine to a morning of sensational breakfast foods and a truly notable coffee menu. You’ll come for the food; you’ll stay for the awesome staff and lively atmosphere.Canada Games Centre: Whitehorse may be known for its great outdoors, but it has great rainy day establishments, too! The Games Centre has just about everything, from ice rinks to treadmills, swimming pools to Pilates. Pick up game of hockey, anyone?

Hit the Trails

Whitehorse is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, hills, rivers and lakes. No matter which direction you turn, there is always new terrain to cover.Miles Canyon: Hike down into Miles Canyon and cool off by the misting rapids of the rushing Yukon River. Trot along the trails right by the river, or wind your way into the hills alongside for an epic aerial view. You can follow Miles Canyon all the way to historic Canyon City, the long-forgotten Gold Rush ghost town.Grey Mountain: Summit Grey Mountain and you’ll get the best view of Whitehorse and the beauty of its surroundings. A little over 4 miles, it makes the perfect day hike. Bring a camera!Millennium Trail: Spend an evening leisurely strolling the Millennium Trail loop. Criss-cross over the Yukon River, stop and watch the salmon at the Fish Ladder and be home in time for dinner.Kluane National Park: Have a little extra free time? Hop in a car and head straight to Kluane National Park where the hiking, camping, swimming and fun times never stop. St. Elias Lake trail and Soliders Summit trail are musts!

Ride the Waves

Hold on tight! Whitehorse itself was named after raging rapids whose mists looked like the mane of a running horse. Now the rapids are hidden beneath Schwatka Lake – but Whitehorse still loves a great Class IV.Tutshi River: (between Fraser BC and Whitehorse) For an incredible adrenaline rush, spend the day rafting the Tutshi River. Moments of Class III and IV rapids will keep your heart pounding – and coming back for more.Tatshenshini River: (in Kluane National Park) This classic Yukon rafting experience is known throughout Canada for its exhilarating whitewater, lush forests and biting cold water.

Try Something Totally New

Your summer in Canada will be full of once in a lifetime experiences. Here are a few to get you started.

Ride the White Pass Train: Cruise down to Skagway, Alaska for breathtaking views and an afternoon to remember. The White Pass Train takes you up and over the same treacherous route the Klondike Gold Rush prospectors traveled in jeans and leather boots. You’ll enjoy the ride from the comfort of your train car as glaciers, gorges and waterfalls rush by.Takhini Hot Springs: Warm up on a cool day in the Takhini Hot Springs. The naturally flowing mineral water is a toasty 100 – 104 degrees (F) to relax any aching muscles. Enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains or take a turn on the zip line and rock climbing walls.
Experience the wildlife: On your way to Skagway or Kluane National Park, keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for bears and moose.

Wind Down, Whitehorse Style

After a long day at work or a weekend full of hiking, there’s nothing like a little down time to rejuvenate.Drive Annie Lake Road: This off-the-beaten-track road loops off the South Klondike Highway and will lead you to some of the prettiest sites this side of the Alaska/Canada border.Go camping: It just takes you, your campfire, and a sleeping bag to indulge in the best night’s sleep you’ll ever have. Some staff favorites include: Kluane National Park and next to the Yukon River.

Best of Whitehorse

WhitehorseBest Outdoor Patio: The RoadhouseBest Place to Catch a Game: Boston PizzaPrettiest Stroll: Millennium TrailBest Place for a Picnic: Shipyards ParkCoolest Part of Town: Whitehorse Center